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Inquiring minds: Can you tell where a Social Security card was issued?

Submitted by admin1 on Thu, 03/28/2013 - 1:51pm

Each week the staff at the Roseville Library answers more than 2,500 questions on every subject under the sun. Here are some of the most interesting ones they’ve gotten lately.

Q. Is it true that you can tell where a Social Security card was issued depending on its number?

A. Yes, until very recently, the first three numbers of your Social Security number indicated what in what state or (after 1972) what Zip Code area you lived when you first received your card. If a Social Security number starts with three digits ranging from 468 to 477, you know that individual got his or her card in Minnesota. In mid-2011, the system ceased to give any geographic clues. Babies born after June 25, 2011 are issued cards with random number sequences. The Social Security Administration believes that the new randomized numbers will offer cardholders more protection against identity theft, as well as make more 9-digit numbers available for the Social Security registrants of the future.(Website of the Social Security Administration www.socialsecurity.gov )

Do you have a question for the staff at the Roseville Library? You can call them at 628-6803 or ask your question in person at the Information Desk, Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Ave. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.